Did You Know that in Utah…
• pioneers sang a capella songs because they didn’t have room for instruments in their wagons?
• the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed in memory of 9/11 victims, for President Reagan’s inauguration, and at the 2002 Winter Olympics?
• Salt Lake was an important site of the national folk-music revival in the 1960s?
• the Utes have the Bear Dance, a social dance accompanied by song that is held in spring to celebrate new life and the passing of winter?
Utah has a rich heritage of traditional music, both vocal and instrumental. To listen to our Beehive Archive radio episode about the legacy of Utah folk music, click the play button below or read the script here.
Find out more about Utah Roots Music from Elaine Thatcher, New Harmonies Scholar for the Utah tour.
Native American Music
The predominant tribes in Utah are the Ute, Paiute, Goshute, Shoshoni and Navajo. Each has a rich history that includes long-standing musical traditions. Local Native American dance groups frequently perform powwows at festivals and other events.
Pioneer Music
The Pioneers migrated to Utah without musical instruments, which did not fit in their small wagons. To keep morale high, they sang a capella songs with simple lyrics. These songs became known as Mormon folk music. Mormon folk music included cultural references about crossing the plains, religious leaders and spirituality. As the Pioneers settled in Utah and the government began taking an interest in them, sometimes interfering in their way of life, their songs often expressed resentment.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was formed in the mid-19th century in Salt Lake City and is still thriving today. The 360 members of the all-volunteer choir have performed at significant events such as President Reagan’s inauguration, a concert in memory of the victims of 9/11, and the 2002 Winter Olympics. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has released more than 130 compilation albums and has received Grammy® and Emmy® awards. Several albums have reached Gold and Platinum status.
Country Western Music
Country western music developed from the folk songs and ballads from the English, Scottish and Irish settlers in southwestern America. Many country musicians were also influenced by blues and gospel music. Famous country singers include Jimmy Rodgers, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. More recent stars include Garth Brooks, Tanya Tucker and Reba McEntire.
Folk Revival
A national folk-music revival took place after World War II until about 1970. In Utah, this revival was between 1959 and 1966 and was unique to the state because of Utah’s geographic location, cultural characteristics and artistic resources. Rosalie Sorrels and Bruce “Utah” Phillips played significant roles in the folk-music revival in Utah by combining their music with political beliefs centered around justice. Phillips passed away in May 2008.
Gospel, Christian and Pop Music
In the 1960s and into the 1970s, gospel and contemporary Christian music gained popularity in Utah. Michael McLean and Kenneth Cope, both Utah natives, became well-liked among the older Mormon population for their easy-listening religious music. “Mormon pop,” a new genre that includes acoustic musician Shane Jackman, local band SweetHaven and folk-rock band Colors, has recently emerged as well.
Sources: http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/faq, www.utah-guide.info, http://www.usuo.org/companyinfo/PDF/Written%20History.pdf, http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/ent/A0813789.html,
Utah Historical Quarterly Volume 74 Number 3